Blogs

I hate to be a Debbie Downer (and a schizoaffective one at that), but just because the weather is getting nicer doesn’t mean the new coronavirus has magically disappeared. We still need to wear masks as much as we are able when we go outside. I say “as much as we are able” because I know it’s hard to wear them while exercising or just walking outside. But let’s try while we still maintain social distancing.

As a recovering behavioral addict, I have encountered numerous unexpected addictive substances in my recovery. Many individuals assume for a substance to be addictive that it must be either illegal or inherently dangerous, but this isn't always the case.

With so much uncertainty and chaos in the world, it makes perfect sense to experience anxiety. That doesn't mean, however, that we're all powerless to regain personal control. You can use the following strategies to help your anxiety during this time of upheaval.

Ever since I was clinically diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I'm hesitant to disclose that I even have the disorder—even with close friends. Maybe you're no stranger to this phenomenon yourself, but when I tell people I have ADHD they usually don't believe me.

When you practice setting boundaries that protect your self-esteem, you are supporting yourself in many ways. It shows you love and respect yourself, and it keeps you from grief when others attempt to abuse you, intentionally or inadvertently. Whether it's between you and people you love and choose to have in your life or people you must interact with for your job or another requirement, creating a boundary that reflects your needs will strengthen your self-esteem.

Refusing to take things personally can lead to a more relaxed life where you aren't constantly worrying about being criticized. When you stop taking things personally, you can boost your self-confidence, worry less, and rebound from failures with enthusiasm.

As the United States is ablaze in chaos that has erupted from systemic racial violence, I find myself worried for the mental health of black men and women because—false stereotypes aside—black people suffer from eating disorders too.

Near where I live, there are a couple of little boxes where people can leave books they wish to donate, as well as take any books they may find interesting. Over the past few weeks, I’ve given away quite a number of books to these boxes, and in the process, I’ve felt a great sense of relief and catharsis.

In my experience, a significant number of people go through at least one depressive episode in their life. An episode typically lasts for at least two weeks and can put a damper on productivity, especially at work. I have been through many such episodes so far, and have had to work during a significant number of them.

Living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) often feels like living with a secret, so opening up about your DID diagnosis is difficult. Many people who have the condition, including myself, are stealth-like in hiding it. Because it’s a mental health condition, as opposed to a physical ailment, it’s easier to hide from the naked eye. However, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t a burden.

Comments

Rizza Bermio-Gonzalez

Hi Lizanne,

Thank you so much for your comments! I absolutely agree that allowing those recurring thoughts and worry to continue unchecked can increase and intensify anxiety. Therefore, it is beneficial to address these thoughts in a healthy manner, such as in writing them out.

I'm so glad it could be useful for your Morgan! I know I'm not the original author, but as the current main author of the Recovering from Mental Illness blog, I just wanted to reach out and say I'm so glad you enjoy our little blog!

Lizanne, I love the "yahoo"! I think accepting our uniqueness is a huge part of building self-esteem. I have never been a follower of the pack and I always went my own way, but at the same time, I measured my value using other people's yardstick. It took a lot of work to reconcile allowing myself to be different and loving and esteeming that difference. Thank you for your comment.